Development of an integrative coding framework for evaluating context within implementation science

BACKGROUND: This research aims to explore an identified gap in implementation science methodology, that is, how to assess context in implementation research. Context is among the strongest influences on implementation success but is a construct that is poorly understood and reported within the literature. Consequently, there is little guidance on how to research context. This study addresses this issue by developing a method to account for the active role of context during implementation research. Through use of a case study, this paper demonstrates the value of using our context coding framework. METHODS: The developed context coding framework was guided by the sub-elements of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Employing a constructivist approach, this framework builds on the CFIR and enables a deeper exploration of context at multiple levels of the health system. The coding framework enables the collation of various data sources such as organisational reports, culture audits, interview, survey, and observational data. It may be continuously updated as new data emerge and can be adapted by researchers as required. A pre-existing rating criterion has been integrated to the context coding framework to highlight the influence and relative strength of each contextual factor prior to and during implementation. RESULTS: It is anticipated that the context coding framework will facilitate a standardised approach to assessing context. This will provide a deeper understanding of how to account for the influence of context, ultimately providing guidance that should increase the likelihood of implementation success. The coding framework enables implementation progress to be monitored, facilitating the identification of contextual changes and variations across settings at different levels of the healthcare system. It is expected this framework will inform the selection of appropriate implementation strategies and enable the monitoring of such strategies regarding their impact on local context. CONCLUSIONS: This research contributes to the extant literature by advancing methodologies for the consideration and assessment of context in implementation research. This context coding framework may be used in any setting to provide insight into the characteristics of particular contexts throughout implementation processes.